If, despite your best efforts, it appears that your personal computer is infected with a virus or adware, take swift action. See Windows Performance & Maintenance for additional details. Remove unused or unwanted programs and defragment your hard drive occasionally. If you receive such a warning, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.ĥ. This has become enough of a problem that Google Search, the Chrome browser, and third-party Google advertisements now warn people before allowing them to proceed to a risky site. Sites that offer free games, music, wallpaper or screensavers seem to be particularly prone to spyware and malware. If you’d like to defeat this trick before it has a chance to download, check out Unchecky, a program that automatically deselects the check boxes that frequently lead to adware getting installed on machines.Ĥ. Have you ever accidentally installed a toolbar or app that you didn’t know you were getting? Some programs sneak in a “Would you like to install this software also?” check box, and it’s easy to miss it when you are in a hurry. It then supplies your computer with the necessary updates to keep it safe.ģ. Personal Software Inspector works in tandem with your antivirus to make sure your programs are properly patched with security updates. Software security updates are issued regularly but are tough to keep track of. Standouts in PC Magazine’s latest tests included Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.Ģ. Microsoft Security Essentials (bundled with Windows Defender in Windows 8 and later) is a good all-around choice. Many good programs are free for personal use some provide both real-time protection and cleaning functionality. Here are some tips for protecting your home PC (your work computer should already be protected):ġ. Luckily, there are free or low-cost ways to guard against both malicious and merely bothersome software problems on Windows computers. What’s going on? Brace yourself, my friend: Your software has been compromised by unwanted advertising or - even worse - a virus. Then one day, you notice sluggish performance and pop-ups from some annoying coupon app. Over time it becomes an irreplaceable part of your life, helping you communicate, study and complete assignments and providing the occasional cathartic round of League of Legends with your fellow champions. A home computer represents a significant investment.
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